HYMNS ETC. - Hymnnody with Children
Mary and John have written their way through the Bible in 80 songs for the youngest singers (ages 4-7), published by Augsburg Fortress in three collections: Sing the Stories of Jesus (2008), Sing the Stories of God’s People (2010), and Sing the Stories of God’s New People (2016).
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Teaching hymns and using them creatively in worship has been an important part of our music ministry with children and youth. In our own hymn-writing we have kept these age groups in mind, believing that congregational song should be accessible to children and youth, yet contain ideas they can “grow into” as they mature in their faith. We have also tried to lay the foundation for hymn-singing in the age-appropriate songs we write for children.
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Sing the Stories of Jesus: Twenty-Five Songs for the Youngest Singers
by John D. Horman and Mary Nelson Keithahn. Augsburg Fortress, 2008.
This collection of twenty-five songs from the life of Jesus for ages four to seven can be used with young choral singers as well as in a church school curriculum. The tunes are short and memorable; the lyrics are written in simple language and focus on a key idea in each story. Because the songs are all based on scriptures included in the Revised Common Lectionary, they provide an opportunity for young children to provide music for congregational worship that is relevant and meaningful. Included in the collection are piano accompaniments and guitar chords, a CD recording with both a full chorus and accompaniment only versions, and creative suggestions for teaching the words and music. “The Last Supper” (choral and accompaniment versions. www.augsburgfortress.org/
Karol Kinard Kimmell, a lifelong Lutheran who directs music for children and youth at an Episcopal church in downtown Atlanta, GA, wrote this review of the first of our three books of biblically-based songs for children:
"One of my favorite collections of songs for children is the book Sing the Stories of Jesus by John Horman and Mary Nelson Keithahn. It is chock-full of songs based on various stories from the Gospels, some well-known stories and some that are often overlooked. Several songs are simple enough to be used for Sunday School groups, but all are perfect for young singers in choirs. They cover events of Jesus’ life from the angels’ Gloria at his birth to Breakfast by the Sea after the resurrection. Instructions for teaching are included for each song as well as an accompaniment CD if you need it.
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Sing the Stories of God’s People: Thirty More Songs for the Youngest Singers is available now from Augsburg Fortress.
by John D. Horman and Mary Nelson Keithahn. Augsburg Fortress, 2010
The songs are based on stories from the Hebrew scriptures, almost all of which may be found in the Revised Common Lectionary. For each song there are creative suggestions for teaching the texts and tunes to children ages 4 to 7. The book will be useful in church school and music programs for younger children. The CD included with the book contains both vocal and accompaniment tracks and may be duplicated to send home with the children. This volume is a companion to our earlier collection, Sing the Stories of Jesus: Twenty Five Songs for the Youngest Singers. |
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Sing the Stories of God's NEW People: Twenty-Five More Songs for the Youngest Singers
by John D. Horman and Mary Nelson Keithahn. Augsburg Fortress, 2016
This is the third book in our series of biblically-based songs for young children. The songs are based on stories and writings from the Book of Acts through Revelation. Most support the Revised Common Lectionary, and they are also coordinated with the Sparks Story Bible (Augsburg Fortress, 2009) and several others Bible storybooks. For each song, there are creative ideas for teaching the texts and tunes to children ages 4 to 7. The CD included with the book contains both vocal and accompaniment tracks and may be duplicated to send home with the children. |
Some of our hymns and songs have been included in collections from other publishers:
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Happylujah!
Songs and Activities for Children Ages 4-6, edited by Debi Tyree. Abingdon Press, 2007.
Nine songs from our Sing the Stories of Jesus (Augsburg Fortress, 2008) are part of this collection. Teaching suggestions are provided for each song. www.cokesbury.com/
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FaithSongs
Songs and Activities for Children Grades 2-6, edited by Debi Tyree.
Abingdon Press, 2003. Leader/Accompaniment Edition (0687045797). Singer’s Edition 068704569X) with melody line and text of the songs. CD Split-track Accompaniment Disk Set (0687046696) for listening and learning. |
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Three of our hymns, “Circle the Table, “ “One Holy Night in Bethlehem,” and “We Sang Our Glad Hosannas” are included in this collection with teaching suggestions for each one. In addition, there are other songs and anthems John has written or arranged: “God Is So Good,” “Children, Go Where I Send You,” “The Wise May Bring Their Learning,” “Hosanna in the Highest,” “Mary Told the Good News,” “Marchin’ to the Beat of God,” “Now Is the Time,” “We Must Be Faithful,” and “Saints Today, Saints of Old.” He also provided teaching plans for a number of the songs.
www.cokesbury.com/ |
Sing the Stories of Jesus
Karol Kinard Kimmell, a lifelong Lutheran who directs music for children and youth at an Episcopal church in downtown Atlanta, GA, wrote this review of the first of our three books of biblically-based songs for children:
"One of my favorite collections of songs for children is the book Sing the Stories of Jesus by John Horman and Mary Nelson Keithahn. It is chock-full of songs based on various stories from the Gospels, some well-known stories and some that are often overlooked. Several songs are simple enough to be used for Sunday School groups, but all are perfect for young singers in choirs. They cover events of Jesus’ life from the angels’ Gloria at his birth to Breakfast by the Sea after the resurrection. Instructions for teaching are included for each song as well as an accompaniment CD if you need it. Over time, I have taught and directed many of these songs, but I’d like to share the way I have taught, embellished, and performed four of my favorites from this collection.” Read entire article. You can read her ideas on her blog!
